California has its share of natural disasters. Wildfires, earthquakes, flooding and the occasional small tornado have all inflicted our state. Do you feel your home or business is ready for a natural disaster?

Here are some tips from the IRS website to prepare for natural disasters:

Here are some things to consider:

Update Emergency Plans — Because a disaster can strike any time, be sure to review emergency plans annually. Personal and business situations change over time, as do preparedness needs. Make plans ahead of time and be sure to practice them.

Create Electronic Copies of Documents — Taxpayers should keep a duplicate set of key documents. Keep documents including bank statements, tax returns and insurance policies in a safe place. Doing so is easier now that many financial institutions provide statements and documents electronically, available on the Internet. Even if original documents are available only on paper, scan them into an electronic format and store them on DVD, CD or cloud storage.

Document Valuables — It’s a good idea to photograph or videotape the contents of any home, especially items of higher value. Documenting these items ahead of time will make it easier to claim insurance and tax benefits after a disaster strikes. The IRS has a disaster loss workbook, Publication 584, which can help taxpayers compile a room-by-room list of belongings. Photographs can help prove the fair market value of items for insurance and casualty loss claims.

The IRS can help even more. Visit their website for additional information:

Are you already working through your own disaster? Call SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom 916-987-0400 to help you through this time. SERVPRO's employees have been trained to help and assist you during this time. It can be an overwhelming time - SERVPRO will help you!